Today in Lucerne, a critical court trial begins involving a suspected drug dealer accused of managing extensive cocaine trafficking operations for an Albanian drug boss, raising serious questions about crime and security in Switzerland.

Lucerne Criminal Court is set to handle a significant case today involving a 37-year-old Albanian man charged with severe drug-related offences. 

The defendant, allegedly linked to an Albanian drug lord, is accused of managing a cocaine trafficking operation that delivered and sold substantial quantities across Switzerland. Over six months, he reportedly handled about 82 kilograms of a cocaine mixture, approximately 61 kilograms of which was pure cocaine, generating around 3.5 million francs in revenue.

The operation was centered in Reiden LU, where the accused resided and was arrested in March 2021. The charges against him include commercial and gang drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal residence. The prosecution has requested a ten-year prison sentence and a 15-year expulsion from Switzerland.

During his time in Switzerland, which began in September 2020, the accused was allegedly tasked with managing logistics, including the storage and packaging of cocaine, often concealed creatively in everyday items like socks. His operations also extended to financial management, where he handled large sums of money, delivering proceeds to various couriers and travel agencies in Zurich and Lucerne.

Despite his significant role in the trafficking network, the accused reportedly had limited autonomy, with directives including delivery details and pricing coming directly from the Albanian overseer. His compensation for these activities was a monthly salary of CHF 3,000. Law enforcement authorities have seized over 100,000 francs and more than two kilograms of cocaine from his residence and vehicles.

Currently, the accused is in custody, serving an early sentence, and has admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking, according to the public prosecutor’s office. This case highlights ongoing challenges and the critical nature of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and organized crime in Europe.

©Keystone/SDA